Yoga is such an important part of my wellness routine, but I can’t achieve complete peace of mind unless I know I have an eco-friendly yoga mat, yoga gear, and workout clothes. Most yoga mats are made from plastic and are not environmentally friendly, and in my opinion that doesn’t jibe with the ethos of yoga.
Quick Links – Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats Featured in This Post
Organic Jute and Rubber Yoga Mat
Organic Cotton Yoga Mat with Herbs
Organic Cork and Rubber Yoga Mat
What is an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat and Why Use One?
It takes hundreds of years for old PVC mats to decompose when they’re thrown out, and if they’re incinerated they release dioxin, a highly toxic chemical, into the atmosphere.
Many yoga mats that are labeled “eco-friendly” are made from TPE, a synthetic mix of rubber and plastic. This material is less harmful to the environment than other plastics and synthetics, but is still not ideal. Brands know that consumers want to buy an eco-friendly yoga mat, so some use greenwashing marketing tactics to appear more sustainable than they really are.
Better options for an eco-friendly yoga mat are made from natural and organic materials such as cotton, cork, and hemp. These are better for your health, the way they are produced is better for the planet, and they biodegrade back to the Earth.
Every product is carefully selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
8 of My Favorite Organic and Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Options
Organic Jute and Rubber Yoga Mat
One misconception about eco friendly yoga mats is that they don’t have as much grip, but this excellent organic natural jute yoga mat is not slippery at all. It’s made from jute fibres and PER, a biodegradable synthetic rubber that’s nontoxic and chemical free.
The jute fibres repel smells and sweat stains. It’s also super lightweight and portable. A bonus for the environment is that Ajna plants a tree for every yoga mat sold.
Check out the Organic Jute Yoga Mat
Organic Hemp Yoga Mat
Not only is this organic hemp yoga mat biodegradable, it’s also handmade. This mat is all-natural, made with hand-picked pure raw wild hemp, fine hemp cotton, and natural wool for a super soft and comfortable finish. It’s also beautiful!
No bleach, chemicals or dyes are used in the mat’s production process. Instead, the fibers are hand-harvested, washed in ash water, hand-spun weaved, and stitched. This is as organic as they come.
Check out the organic hemp yoga mat
Organic Cotton Yoga Mats
Handwoven with organic cotton, this eco-friendly yoga mat is anti-odor and perfect for even the sweatiest of yoga sessions. It’s also anti-slip, especially if you choose the option with a natural rubber back finish from Kerala, which sticks to floors easily and allows you to effortlessly pull off advanced poses and hot yoga.
I love that these mats are longer and wider than average, at 25” x 74”, giving you more space to practice.
Check out the organic cotton yoga mat
Another beautiful organic cotton yoga mat is infused with Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs have incredible health benefits and have been used for wellness for hundreds of years. Now, bring those centuries of benefits to your yoga session with the organic cotton mat which is not only infused with herbs, but dyed with them – which is where it gets its gorgeous all-natural colors from.
Check out the organic cotton yoga mat
Handwoven over a period of three days from all natural cotton fibers, these sturdy organic cotton yoga mats are built to last, and exude expert craftsmanship. I love that they are extra long so they are great for both men and women.
Check out the organic cotton yoga mat
Organic Cork Yoga Mats
Made from sustainably sourced organic cork harvested from the bark of trees, and 100% natural, rubber padding, these eco-friendly yoga mats are totally recyclable and non-toxic.
Not only are these materials easy to clean, but they naturally eliminate bacteria and germs while also repelling mold and mildew, and thanks to the thick rubber, they’ll hold in place without any slipping, all the way through your yoga session – so there’s no need for a towel with them, too.
This eco-friendly yoga mat combines style and substance. Made from premium sustainable materials, it’s fully environmentally friendly and boasts an impressive 5mm thick layer of completely renewable organic cork, with natural non-slip rubber reverse.
Cork is an ideal material for yoga mats as it is light and portable, while being sweat-absorbent, so it’s perfect for hot yoga and sweaty sessions. Plus, this eco-friendly yoga mat is available in a selection of classy and irresistible designs – it’s so hard to choose!
Check out the cork and rubber yoga mat
Every product is carefully selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
